Amnesty International Nigeria has welcomed a Federal High Court ruling restraining the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from enforcing sanctions on broadcast stations under disputed provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
The Country Director, Isa Sanusi, described the ruling as “a victory for freedom of expression and media independence,” while urging the government to ensure full compliance and prevent regulatory overreach.
“The ruling is a welcome development. It is a victory for press freedom and protection for journalists and broadcasters,” Sanusi said.
He, however, said the judgment should not be the end of the matter, calling on authorities to further restrain the NBC from actions he said could intimidate the media.
“We hope the government will go further to restrain the NBC from interfering with freedom of expression,” he said. “It has been going beyond its limits and trying to intimidate broadcasters and media organisations. That is unacceptable in a democratic setting.”
Sanusi urged the Federal Government to respect the court order in good faith and ensure journalists and broadcasters are able to carry out their work without fear or interference.
“The government must take the judgment in good faith and follow it to the letter so journalists can do their work without intimidation,” he added.
The comments follow a ruling by Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos, who ordered the NBC to suspend enforcement of its “Formal Notice” issued on May 2, 2026, pending determination of the substantive suit.
The directive had proposed sanctions against broadcasters accused of presenting opinions as facts, intimidating guests, or failing to maintain neutrality in their programmes.
Amnesty International said the provisions were vague and open to abuse, warning they could create a chilling effect on press freedom and weaken constitutional protections for free expression.
Nigeria: Court Blocks NBC Sanctions on Broadcasters
— Amnesty International Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) May 6, 2026
Amnesty International Nigeria welcomes the interim injunction granted on Monday 5 May 2026, by the Federal High Court in Lagos restraining the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from enforcing its “Formal Notice” issued on…
“The NBC directive is vague, open to abuse, and risks silencing critical voices,” the organisation said in a statement posted on its X handle, @AmnestyNigeria.
While welcoming the court’s intervention, the group cautioned that the ruling is interim and does not resolve the underlying legal dispute.
It called on the NBC to withdraw the directive entirely and refrain from introducing similar measures that could restrict press freedom.
“Authorities must ensure that journalists and broadcasters can carry out their work without intimidation or undue interference,” Amnesty said.
The case has been adjourned until June 1, 2026, for hearing of the motion on notice.
